US20170251884A1 - Dispenser with stroke adjustment capabilities - Google Patents
Dispenser with stroke adjustment capabilities Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20170251884A1 US20170251884A1 US15/061,307 US201615061307A US2017251884A1 US 20170251884 A1 US20170251884 A1 US 20170251884A1 US 201615061307 A US201615061307 A US 201615061307A US 2017251884 A1 US2017251884 A1 US 2017251884A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- dispenser
- orientation
- stroke adjuster
- stroke
- pump
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 91
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 64
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 claims description 28
- 239000003550 marker Substances 0.000 claims description 18
- 239000000344 soap Substances 0.000 description 13
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 8
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000499 gel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003562 lightweight material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037452 priming Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011012 sanitization Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002689 soil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K5/00—Holders or dispensers for soap, toothpaste, or the like
- A47K5/06—Dispensers for soap
- A47K5/12—Dispensers for soap for liquid or pasty soap
- A47K5/1202—Dispensers for soap for liquid or pasty soap dispensing dosed volume
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K5/00—Holders or dispensers for soap, toothpaste, or the like
- A47K5/06—Dispensers for soap
- A47K5/12—Dispensers for soap for liquid or pasty soap
- A47K5/1202—Dispensers for soap for liquid or pasty soap dispensing dosed volume
- A47K5/1204—Dispensers for soap for liquid or pasty soap dispensing dosed volume by means of a rigid dispensing chamber and pistons
- A47K5/1207—Dispensing from the bottom of the dispenser with a vertical piston
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K5/00—Holders or dispensers for soap, toothpaste, or the like
- A47K5/06—Dispensers for soap
- A47K5/12—Dispensers for soap for liquid or pasty soap
- A47K5/1217—Electrical control means for the dispensing mechanism
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
- B05B11/0005—Components or details
- B05B11/0037—Containers
- B05B11/0054—Cartridges, i.e. containers specially designed for easy attachment to or easy removal from the rest of the sprayer
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
- B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
- B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
- B05B11/1042—Components or details
-
- B05B11/3042—
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
- B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
- B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
- B05B11/1001—Piston pumps
- B05B11/1005—Piston pumps with means for adjusting or modifying pump stroke
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
- B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
- B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
- B05B11/1001—Piston pumps
- B05B11/1005—Piston pumps with means for adjusting or modifying pump stroke
- B05B11/1007—Piston pumps with means for adjusting or modifying pump stroke by adjusting or modifying the pump end-of-sucking-stroke position
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
- B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
- B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
- B05B11/1001—Piston pumps
- B05B11/1005—Piston pumps with means for adjusting or modifying pump stroke
- B05B11/1008—Piston pumps with means for adjusting or modifying pump stroke by adjusting or modifying the pump end-of-dispensing-stroke position
Definitions
- Soap dispensers are generally provided in bathrooms, on work sites, and other locations for providing soap (foam, liquid, or gel) to a user for hand washing.
- a building manager, janitor or the like may wish to set the dispenser to provide more or less soap to a user.
- a soap dispenser in a public restroom provide a particular amount of soap and that a soap dispenser in a healthcare setting or at an automobile shop provide a larger amount of soap at each dispense.
- dispensers e.g., soap dispensers
- the amount of fluid or foam provided to a user for each dispense may be adjusted.
- a stroke adjuster is provided for adjusting the amount of fluid or foam (e.g., soap) provided to a user from a dispenser at each activation of the dispenser.
- a dispenser comprising a stroke adjuster is provided.
- such a dispenser may be operated with or without the stroke adjuster positioned within the dispenser. In such embodiments, the dispenser is still operable even if the stroke adjuster has been misplaced or removed from the dispenser for any reason.
- a dispenser configured to dispense a fluid or foam.
- the dispenser comprises a housing configured for receiving therein a fluid reservoir and a pump configured to dispense the fluid or foam from the reservoir.
- the housing comprises at least one housing engagement surface and defines an adjuster receiving area.
- the dispenser further comprises a stroke adjuster having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface defines a first plane and the second surface defines a second plane. The first plane is parallel or near parallel to the second plane.
- the adjuster receiving area is configured to receive the stroke adjuster in one of either a first orientation or a second orientation.
- the stroke adjuster When the stroke adjuster is oriented within the dispenser in the first orientation the first surface is oriented upward and, when the dispenser is activated, a lower pump engagement surface of the pump is engaged by the first surface of the stroke adjuster.
- the stroke adjuster When the stroke adjuster is oriented within the dispenser in the second position the second surface is oriented upward and, when the dispenser is activated, the lower pump engagement surface is engaged by the housing engagement surface.
- a stroke adjuster comprises a first surface and a second surface.
- the first surface defines a first plane and the second surface defines a second plane.
- the first plane is parallel or near parallel to said second plane.
- the stroke adjuster is configured to be oriented within a dispenser in one of either a first orientation or a second orientation.
- the stroke adjuster is oriented within the dispenser in the first orientation the first surface is positioned upward and, when the dispenser is activated, a lower pump engagement surface of a pump positioned within the dispenser is engaged by the first surface of the stroke adjuster.
- the stroke adjuster is oriented within the dispenser in the second orientation the second surface is positioned upward and, when the dispenser is activated the lower pump engagement surface is not engaged by the stroke adjuster.
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example activation mechanism of a dispenser, in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention
- FIGS. 2, 2B, 2C, and 2D show a perspective view, a top view, a side view, and a front view, respectively, of a stroke adjuster, in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention
- FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of a stoke adjuster and a dispenser, wherein the stroke adjuster is positioned within the dispenser, in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention
- FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of a stroke adjuster oriented in a first orientation in a dispenser, in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention
- FIG. 5 shows a cross-section of an example dispenser having a stroke adjuster oriented therein in the first orientation, wherein a pump in the dispenser is at the starting position of a full pump stroke, in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention
- FIG. 6 shows a cross-section of the example dispenser of FIG. 5 with the stroke adjuster oriented therein in the first orientation, wherein the pump is at the ending point of a full pump stroke, in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention
- FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of a stroke adjuster oriented in a second orientation in a dispenser, in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 shows a cross-section of an example dispenser having a stroke adjuster oriented therein in the second orientation, wherein a pump in the dispenser is at the starting point of a full pump stroke, in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 shows a cross-section of the example dispenser of FIG. 8 with the stroke adjuster oriented therein in the second orientation, wherein the pump is at the ending point of a full pump stroke, in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention.
- Dispensers are often used to provide soap, hand sanitizer, and/or other fluids, liquids, or foams to a user that may be used, for example, for hand washing and/or sanitizing.
- a fluid may be a substance that has no fixed shape and yields easily to external pressure.
- a fluid may be a substance that flows easily.
- Some non-limiting examples of fluids are liquid soap, gel soap, and hand sanitizer.
- a dispenser comprises a housing for receiving a replaceable fluid reservoir and pump configured to receive fluid from the fluid reservoir and provide fluid or foam to the user.
- the pump may be connected to the fluid reservoir such that when the fluid reservoir is empty or the supply of fluid in the fluid reservoir is low, the fluid reservoir and pump may be removed from the housing of the dispenser and replaced.
- the dispenser housing encloses the fluid reservoir such that only approved individuals may access the interior of the dispenser (including the fluid reservoir).
- the dispenser housing may comprise a hinged door or removable panel that may be secured to prevent unauthorized access to the interior of the dispenser.
- the hinged door or removable panel may be secured in a closed position with a key or other locking mechanism.
- a dispenser also generally includes an activation mechanism.
- a dispenser may comprise a button, lever, motion sensor, and/or the like that a user may press or otherwise interact with to activate the dispenser.
- the user may wave his or her hands in the vicinity of a motion detector or may press a lever on the dispenser to cause the dispenser to provide fluid or foam to the user.
- a mechanism e.g., gears, motor, etc.
- FIGS. 5 and 8 show a cross-section of a dispenser 1000 having a fluid reservoir 400 and a pump 300 positioned within a pump housing 450 where the pump 300 is at the starting point of the full pump stroke.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of a dispenser 1000 including the activation mechanism for activating the dispenser and causing fluid and/or foam to be dispensed from the dispenser.
- the example activation shown in FIG. 1 is an automatic activation mechanism that is configured to be activated by a user activating a motion sensor (not shown).
- a motion sensor detects the movement of a user's hand(s)
- a signal may be sent to a control board within the dispenser.
- the control board may process the signal, and cause a motor and gear assembly 485 to be activated.
- the motor and gear assembly 485 may comprise one or more motors and one or more gears configured to cause the housing 200 (and the stroke adjuster 100 positioned therein) to move upward to dispense fluid and/or foam from the dispenser and to move downward to prime the pump 300 for the next activation of the dispenser.
- the motor may be powered by a battery or set of batteries 480 and/or other power supply (e.g., connection to line voltage).
- the motor and gear assembly 485 When the motor and gear assembly 485 is activated, the motor causes the gears to rotate which in turn causes the housing 200 to move upward from the starting point of the full pump stroke. As the housing 200 moves upward, the stroke adjuster 100 positioned within the housing 200 also moves upward.
- the first engagement surface 115 or the housing engagement surface 205 engages the lower engagement surface 310 of the pump 300 .
- the first engagement surface 115 or the housing engagement surface 205 engages the lower engagement surface 310 of the pump 300 , as shown in FIGS. 6 and 9 .
- the engagement of the lower engagement surface 310 by the first engagement surface 115 or the housing engagement surface 205 causes a compression of the pump 300 as the housing 200 and the stroke adjuster 100 continue to move upward.
- the engagement of the lower engagement surface 310 of the pump 300 causes an inner piston of the pump 300 to be pushed upward within an outer piston of the pump 300 as the housing 200 and the stroke adjuster 100 continue to move upward.
- the inner piston of the pump is forced upward through an outer piston of the pump, causing a compression of the pump 300 and causing fluid and/or foam to be dispensed from the pump and provided to the user.
- the point at which the lower pump engagement surface 310 is engaged by the other engagement surface (e.g., 115 , 205 ) and begins to force the inner piston upward is the starting point of the meaningful pump stroke.
- the inner piston of the pump continues upward until reaching the ending point of the full pump stroke, which is also the ending point of the meaningful pump stroke.
- the length of the meaningful pump stroke defines how much of the fluid or foam in the pump 300 is provided to the user.
- the motor and gear assembly 485 may cause the housing 200 and stroke adjuster 100 to return to the initial position (e.g., the starting point of the full pump stroke).
- the pump 300 also returns to the initial position.
- the dispenser flanges 230 engage the upper engagement surface 305 of the pump 300 and cause the nozzle 315 to move downward to return to the starting point of the full pump stroke (see FIGS. 5 and 8 ).
- fluid from the fluid reservoir may be pulled into the pump 300 and thereby the pump 300 may be primed for the next activation.
- the action of returning the housing 200 to the starting point of the full pump stroke causes the pump 300 to be primed for the next activation of the dispenser.
- the dispenser 1000 may need to be activated once, two to four times, and/or the like, to prime the pump 300 .
- the janitor or maintainer of a dispenser 1000 may position a new and/or refilled fluid reservoir 400 and pump 300 within the dispenser 1000 .
- the janitor or maintainer may then activate the dispenser by activating the motion sensor one or more times, for example. This initial priming activation may ensure that the upper pump engagement surface 305 is adjacent the dispenser flanges 230 , that the pump 300 is primed, and/or the like.
- the dispenser 1000 may be activated by a user pressing a button or lever, or activating some other sensor (e.g., the user may wear an RFID transmitter and the dispenser may comprise an RFID receiver configured to activate the dispenser upon receiving an RFID signal).
- a motor and gear assembly, a lever assembly, and/or other mechanism may cause the housing 200 to move upward.
- the interaction between the housing 200 and/or stroke adjuster 100 and the pump 300 is similar as that described above.
- the housing 200 may move downward to the starting point of the full pump stroke.
- the nozzle 315 is moved downward to the starting point of the full pump stroke by engagement of the upper engagement surface 305 of the pump 300 and the dispenser flanges 230 as described above.
- Embodiments of the present invention provide a dispenser comprising a stroke adjuster 100 , shown in FIGS. 2, 2B, 2C, and 2D .
- the dispenser housing 200 may be configured to receive the stroke adjuster 100 in either a first orientation/position or a second orientation/position.
- the stroke adjuster 100 is configured to adjust the length of the meaningful pump stroke to adjust the amount of fluid or foam provided to a user upon the activation of the dispenser.
- the stroke adjuster is configured to adjust the length of the meaningful pump stroke without affecting the length of the full pump stroke. For example, each time the pump is primed, the pump is primed with the same amount of fluid or foam regardless of the orientation/position of the stroke adjuster 100 within the dispenser 1000 .
- the percentage of the fluid or foam in the pump that is provided to the user upon activation of the dispenser 1000 is adjusted based on the orientation/position of the stroke adjuster 100 .
- the dispenser housing 200 may be configured such that if the stroke adjuster 100 is not positioned within the dispenser housing, the dispenser 1000 may still provide fluid or foam to a user upon activation of the dispenser.
- a stroke adjuster 100 defines a first surface 115 and an opposite second surface 105 .
- the stroke adjuster 100 can be flipped over such that the second surface 105 faces upwardly (as opposed to the orientation shown in FIG. 2 ).
- the stroke adjuster 100 is configured to be received within a dispenser housing 200 of a dispenser 1000 .
- the stroke adjuster 100 can be received within the dispenser housing 200 in either a first orientation/position (as shown in FIG. 4 ) or a second orientation/position (as shown in FIG. 7 ).
- the stroke adjuster 100 includes a dispenser engagement protrusion 140 (shown in FIG. 2 ) that is configured to fit within a corresponding slot or adjuster receiving area 240 (shown in FIG. 3 ) in the dispenser housing 200 in either the first orientation/position or second orientation/position.
- the stroke adjuster 100 includes slots or cut-out portions 120 on either side that are designed to receive a portion of the housing 200 when in the first orientation/position.
- the dispenser 1000 comprises a pump housing 450 configured to receive a pump 300 and a fluid reservoir 400 therein.
- the pump 300 comprises a pump nozzle 315 .
- the pump further comprises upper pump engagement surface(s) 305 and lower pump engagement position surface(s) 310 .
- the upper pump engagement surface(s) 305 and the lower pump engagement surface(s) 310 are positioned between the pump nozzle 315 and the fluid reservoir 400 , with the upper pump engagement surface(s) 305 positioned closer to the fluid reservoir 400 than the lower pump engagement surface(s) 310 .
- the upper pump engagement surface 305 engages with the dispenser flanges 230 of the dispenser housing 200 .
- an upper pump engagement surface 305 may engage the dispenser flanges 230 such that the pump nozzle 315 , the upper engagement surface 305 , and a lower pump engagement surface 310 remain below the dispenser flanges 230 .
- the upper pump engagement surface 305 may be adjacent the dispenser flanges 230 .
- the dispenser pushes the housing 200 upwardly from a starting point to an ending point of the full pump stroke.
- the first engagement surface 115 or the housing engagement surface 205 may engage the lower pump engagement surface 310 of the pump nozzle to cause an inner piston of the pump 300 to be force upward into an outer piston of the pump.
- the engagement of the lower pump engagement surface 310 by the first engagement surface 115 or the housing engagement surface 205 begins the meaningful pump stroke (which is a portion of the full pump stroke and defines the amount of fluid or foam to be dispensed).
- the housing 200 and the stroke adjuster 100 continue upwardly, causing the pump 300 to compress.
- the portion of the full pump stroke occurring after the engagement of the lower pump engagement surface 310 with another engagement surface defines the length of the meaningful pump stroke.
- the first surface 115 faces upwardly and is designed to engage the lower engagement surface 310 of the pump nozzle to cause the pump to begin the meaningful pump stroke.
- the second surface 105 faces upwardly.
- a housing engagement surface 205 of the dispenser housing 200 is designed to engage the lower engagement surface 310 of the pump nozzle to cause the pump to begin the meaningful pump stroke.
- the stroke adjuster 100 comprises a first surface 115 and a second surface 105 .
- the first surface 115 generally defines a first plane and the second surface 105 generally defines a second plane.
- the first plane and the second plane are generally parallel.
- the first surface 115 and/or the second surface 105 may comprise an orientation marker.
- the first surface may comprise a first orientation marker 117 .
- the second surface may comprise a second orientation marker 107 .
- the stroke adjuster 100 may be in the correct orientation to be positioned in the dispenser 1000 in the first orientation/position.
- the stroke adjuster 100 when the second orientation marker 107 is pointing up, as shown in FIG. 7 , the stroke adjuster 100 may be in the correct orientation to be positioned in the dispenser 1000 in the second orientation/position.
- the orientation marker(s) 107 , 117 may be configured to provide maintenance personnel (e.g., individuals with access to the interior of the dispenser) a quick, visual, and/or palpable indicator of the orientation of the stroke adjuster 100 .
- the orientation marker may be a portion indicator.
- the orientation marker may be configured to indicate a relative amount of the fluid or foam that corresponds to whether the stroke adjuster is in the first orientation or in the second orientation.
- a first orientation marker 117 acting as a portion indicator may comprise a plus sign (“+”) indicating that when the stroke adjuster 100 is oriented within a dispenser 1000 with the first surface positioned to be engaged by the lower pump surface 310 , a larger portion of the primed fluid or foam will be dispensed.
- a second orientation marker acting as a portion indicator may comprise a minus sign (“ ⁇ ”) indicating that when the stroke adjuster is oriented within a dispenser 1000 with the second surface facing upward toward the lower pump engagement surface 310 , a smaller portion of the primed fluid or foam will be dispensed.
- other orientation markers may be used.
- the first orientation marker 117 may be a graphical representation of two droplets and the second orientation marker 107 may be a graphical representation of one droplet.
- the first orientation marker 117 may be a graphical representation of a droplet and the second orientation marker 107 may be a graphical representation of a portion of a droplet.
- a cross-section of the stroke adjuster 100 taken parallel to the first and/or second plane is generally U-shaped.
- the cross-section of the stroke adjuster 100 taken parallel to the first and/or second plane may comprise a first arm and a second arm which curve in at one end of each arm to connect with the other arm.
- each arm may have a free end and a curved, connection end that connects that arm to the other arm.
- the stroke adjuster 100 may define a reflection symmetry axis that is centered between the two arms and that lies in a plane parallel to the first and/or second plane.
- the stroke adjuster 100 is configured to be positioned within an adjuster receiving area 240 .
- the stroke adjuster 100 may comprise a dispenser engagement protrusion 140 configured to be positioned within the adjuster receiving area 240 .
- the dispenser engagement protrusion 140 may be configured to be positioned within the adjuster receiving area 240 when the stroke adjuster 100 is oriented within the dispenser in the first orientation/position or in the second orientation/position.
- the dispenser engagement protrusion 140 extends part way along each arm of the U-shaped cross-section.
- the dispenser engagement protrusion 140 causes at least a portion of the arms of the second surface 105 to be wider than then the corresponding portion of the arms of the first surface 115 , as can be seen by comparing FIG. 4 and FIG. 7 .
- the dispenser engagement protrusion 140 extends around the curve connecting the two arms of the stroke adjuster 100 .
- the dispenser engagement protrusion 140 extends from a point along the arm that generally corresponds to the end of the curved portion of the arm and extends at least part way along the arm toward the free end of the arm.
- the dispenser engagement protrusion 140 may extend toward the free end of the arm to a tab 130 .
- a tab 130 may extend outwardly from at least one arm of the stroke adjuster 100 .
- the tab 130 may define a plane that is generally perpendicular to the first and/or second plane.
- the tab 130 may serve a primarily aesthetic purpose.
- one or more tabs 150 may provide an easy handle for maintenance personnel handling the stroke adjuster 100 and/or may be configured to prevent maintenance personnel from inserting the stroke adjuster 100 too far into the adjuster receiving area 240 .
- the one or more tabs 130 may be configured to aid maintenance personnel in properly installing the stroke adjuster 100 in the dispenser 1000 and/or to provide the stroke adjuster 100 , when oriented/positioned within the housing 200 to have a particular aesthetic appearance.
- the stroke adjuster 100 may comprise one or more slots 120 .
- the slot 120 may be configured for receiving at least a portion of the housing engagement surface 205 therein when the stroke adjuster 100 is oriented within the dispenser 1000 in the first orientation/position.
- an outer surface 150 may connect an outer edge of the first surface 115 to an outer edge of the second surface 105 and an inner surface 160 may connect an inner edge of the first surface 115 to an inner surface of the second surface 105 .
- the slot 120 provides an opening in the outer surface 150 of the stroke adjuster 100 for receiving the housing engagement surface 205 .
- the slot 120 provides openings in both the outer surface 150 and the inner surface 160 of the stroke adjuster 100 for receiving the housing engagement surface 205 .
- the housing engagement surface 205 is parallel to the first and/or second plane (defined by the first surface 115 or the second surface 105 ) when the stroke adjuster 100 is positioned within the dispenser 1000 .
- the slot 120 may define a plane that is also parallel to the first and/or second plane.
- the stroke adjuster 100 may be made of plastic or other rigid and lightweight material. In some embodiments, the stroke adjuster 100 may be at least partially hollow.
- the stroke adjuster 100 may be oriented in the dispenser 1000 in either a first orientation/position (shown in FIGS. 4-6 ) or a second orientation/position (shown in FIGS. 7-9 ).
- a larger volume of fluid or foam is provided to the user upon activation of the dispenser 1000 than when the stroke adjuster 100 is oriented in the dispenser 1000 in the second orientation/position.
- the meaningful pump stroke is longer than when the stroke adjuster 100 is oriented in the dispenser 1000 in the second orientation/position.
- a larger percentage of the primed fluid or foam may be provided from the pump 300 to the user upon activation of the dispenser when the stroke adjuster 100 is oriented within the dispenser 1000 in the first orientation/position than when the stroke adjuster is oriented within the dispenser 1000 in the second orientation/position.
- the stroke adjuster 100 may be switched between the first and second orientations/positions after the used fluid reservoir 400 and pump 300 have been removed from the dispenser 1000 and before a replacement fluid reservoir 400 and pump 300 are positioned within the dispenser. In various embodiments, the stroke adjuster 100 may be only be removed from either the first or second orientation/position when the pump 300 and fluid reservoir 400 are not positioned within the dispenser 1000 .
- FIGS. 3-6 illustrate a stroke adjuster 100 oriented within the dispenser housing 200 of the dispenser 1000 in a first orientation/position.
- the first orientation marker 117 is pointing up and the first surface 115 faces the lower pump engagement surface 310 .
- the housing engagement surface(s) 205 are received within the slot(s) 120 , and the dispenser engagement protrusion 140 is positioned within the adjuster receiving area 240 .
- the pump nozzle 315 is positioned below the dispenser flanges 230 such that the dispenser flanges 230 engage the upper pump engagement surface 305 when the springs 470 cause the housing 200 to return to the starting position of the full pump stroke.
- the upper pump engagement surface 305 is adjacent the dispenser flanges 230 and the pump is fully primed.
- a user may then approach the dispenser and activate the dispenser to receive fluid or foam therefrom.
- the user may wave his or her hand in front of a motion detector, press a lever or button, or otherwise activate the dispenser.
- Activation of the dispenser causes the housing 200 to move upward.
- the housing 200 and the stroke adjuster 100 move upward until the first engagement surface 115 engages the lower pump engagement surface 310 .
- the meaningful pump stroke is initiated.
- the housing 200 and the stroke adjuster 100 continue to move upward, causing an inner piston of the pump 300 to move upward into an outer piston of the pump, thereby forcing fluid or foam out of the pump.
- the fluid or foam is thereby provided to the user.
- the first volume of fluid or foam may be approximately all of the primed fluid or foam within the pump 300 prior to the activation. In some embodiments, the first volume of fluid or foam may be most or more than half of the primed fluid or foam within the pump 300 prior to the activation.
- the fraction of primed fluid or foam within the pump 300 that is provided to the user upon activation of the dispenser is determined by the portion of the full pump stroke that occurs after the lower pump engagement surface 310 is engaged by the first surface 115 . In other words, the fraction of the primed fluid or foam that is provided to the user upon activation of the dispenser is determined by the length of the meaningful pump stroke.
- FIGS. 7-9 illustrate a stroke adjuster 100 oriented within the dispenser housing 200 of the dispenser 1000 in a second orientation/position.
- the second orientation marker 107 is pointing up and the second surface 105 faces the lower pump engagement surface 310 .
- the second surface 105 faces upward.
- the second surface 105 is positioned below housing engagement surface(s) 205 .
- the housing engagement surface 205 is positioned between the second surface 105 and the lower pump engagement surface 310 .
- the dispenser engagement protrusion 140 is positioned within the adjuster receiving area 240 when the stroke adjuster 100 is in the second orientation/position within the dispenser 1000 .
- the pump nozzle 315 is positioned below the dispenser flanges 230 such that the dispenser flanges 230 engage the upper pump engagement surface 305 to cause the pump nozzle 315 , the upper pump engagement surface 305 , and the lower pump engagement surface 310 to move downward as springs 470 cause the housing 200 to return to the starting position of the full pump stroke.
- the upper pump engagement surface 305 is adjacent the dispenser flanges 230 and the pump is fully primed.
- the amount of fluid or foam with which the pump 300 is primed is independent of the orientation/position of the stroke adjuster 100 within the dispenser 1000 . It should be noted that the difference between FIG. 5 and FIG. 8 is merely the orientation/position of the stroke adjuster 100 itself.
- a user may then approach the dispenser and activate the dispenser to receive fluid or foam therefrom.
- the user may wave his or her hand in front of a motion detector, press a lever or button, or otherwise activate the dispenser.
- Activation of the dispenser causes the housing 200 to move upward.
- the housing 200 and the stroke adjuster 100 move upward until the housing engagement surface 205 engages the lower pump engagement surface 310 .
- the meaningful pump stroke is initiated.
- the housing 200 and the stroke adjuster 100 continue to move upward, causing an inner piston of the pump 300 to move upward into an outer piston of the pump, thereby forcing fluid or foam out of the pump.
- the fluid or foam is thereby provided to the user.
- the second volume of fluid or foam may be less than 100% of the primed fluid or foam within the pump 300 prior to the activation.
- the fraction of primed fluid or foam within the pump 300 that is provided to the user upon activation of the dispenser is determined by the portion of the full pump stroke that occurs after the lower pump engagement surface 310 engages the housing engagement surface 205 .
- the second volume of fluid or foam is smaller than the first volume of fluid or foam.
- a smaller percentage of the primed fluid or foam within the pump 300 is provided to the user when the stroke adjuster 100 is in the second orientation/position compared to when the stroke adjuster 100 is in the first orientation/position.
- the stroke adjuster 100 when the stroke adjuster 100 is oriented within the dispenser 1000 in the second orientation/position the portion of the full pump stroke that occurs before the meaningful pump stroke is initiated is longer than when the stroke adjuster 100 is oriented within the dispenser 1000 in the first position. In other words, as can be seen by comparing FIGS.
- the meaningful pump stroke is longer and/or a larger fraction of the full pump stroke when the stroke adjuster 100 is oriented within the dispenser 1000 in the first orientation/position compared to when the stroke adjuster 100 is oriented within the dispenser 1000 in the second orientation/position.
- the engagement of the lower pump engagement surface 310 with the housing engagement surface 205 causes the fluid or foam to be pushed out of the pump and provided to the user.
- the lower pump engagement surface 310 will engage the housing engagement surface 205 and dispense fluid or foam to the user as if the stroke adjuster 100 were oriented within the dispenser in the second orientation/position.
- a dispenser 1000 that does not have a stroke adjuster 100 positioned therein is as functional/operational as the dispenser 1000 would be if a stroke adjuster 100 were oriented within the dispenser 1000 in the second orientation/position.
- the pump nozzle 315 is positioned below the dispenser flanges 230 such that the dispenser flanges 230 engage and/or are adjacent to the upper pump engagement surface 305 .
- the engagement of the dispenser flanges 230 by the upper pump engagement surface 305 causes the pump nozzle 315 , the upper pump engagement surface 305 , and the lower pump engagement surface 310 to move downward with the housing 200 as the springs 470 cause the housing 200 to return to the starting position of the full pump stroke.
- the upper pump engagement surface 305 is adjacent the dispenser flanges 230 and the pump is fully primed.
- the amount of fluid or foam with which the pump 300 is primed is when the stroke adjuster 100 is not positioned within the dispenser 1000 is the same amount with which the pump 300 is primed when the stroke adjuster 100 is oriented within the dispenser in either the first or second orientations.
- a user may then approach the dispenser and activate the dispenser to receive fluid or foam therefrom.
- the user may wave his or her hand in front of a motion detector, press a lever or button, or otherwise activate the dispenser.
- Activation of the dispenser causes the housing 200 to move upward.
- the housing 200 and the stroke adjuster 100 move upward until the housing engagement surface 205 engages the lower pump engagement surface 310 .
- the meaningful pump stroke is initiated.
- the housing 200 and the stroke adjuster 100 continue upward, causing an inner piston of the pump 300 to move upward into an outer piston of the pump, thereby forcing fluid or foam out of the pump.
- the fluid or foam is thereby provided to the user.
- the dispenser 1000 When the pump 300 reaches the ending point of the meaningful pump stroke (which is also the ending point of the full pump stroke), a second volume of fluid or foam has been pushed out of the pump 300 and provided to the user.
- the stroke adjuster 100 is not positioned within the dispenser 1000 , the dispenser continues to be operable as if the stroke adjuster were oriented within the dispenser in the second orientation. Therefore, if the stroke adjuster 100 is misplaced or removed from the dispenser 1000 for any reason, the dispenser maintains its functionality and is still able to provide fluid or foam to a user.
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Abstract
Description
- Soap dispensers are generally provided in bathrooms, on work sites, and other locations for providing soap (foam, liquid, or gel) to a user for hand washing. Depending on the expected level or type of soil on a user's hands at particular location, a building manager, janitor or the like may wish to set the dispenser to provide more or less soap to a user. For example, it may be preferred that a soap dispenser in a public restroom provide a particular amount of soap and that a soap dispenser in a healthcare setting or at an automobile shop provide a larger amount of soap at each dispense. In this regard, it is beneficial to provide an ability to adjust the amount of soap provided to the user for each dispense.
- Therefore, there is a need in the art for dispensers (e.g., soap dispensers) for which the amount of fluid or foam provided to a user for each dispense may be adjusted.
- In various embodiments, a stroke adjuster is provided for adjusting the amount of fluid or foam (e.g., soap) provided to a user from a dispenser at each activation of the dispenser. In various embodiments, a dispenser comprising a stroke adjuster is provided. In various embodiments, such a dispenser may be operated with or without the stroke adjuster positioned within the dispenser. In such embodiments, the dispenser is still operable even if the stroke adjuster has been misplaced or removed from the dispenser for any reason.
- According to one aspect of the present invention, a dispenser configured to dispense a fluid or foam is provided. In an example embodiment, the dispenser comprises a housing configured for receiving therein a fluid reservoir and a pump configured to dispense the fluid or foam from the reservoir. The housing comprises at least one housing engagement surface and defines an adjuster receiving area. The dispenser further comprises a stroke adjuster having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface defines a first plane and the second surface defines a second plane. The first plane is parallel or near parallel to the second plane. The adjuster receiving area is configured to receive the stroke adjuster in one of either a first orientation or a second orientation. When the stroke adjuster is oriented within the dispenser in the first orientation the first surface is oriented upward and, when the dispenser is activated, a lower pump engagement surface of the pump is engaged by the first surface of the stroke adjuster. When the stroke adjuster is oriented within the dispenser in the second position the second surface is oriented upward and, when the dispenser is activated, the lower pump engagement surface is engaged by the housing engagement surface.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, a stroke adjuster is provided. In an example embodiment, the stroke adjuster comprises a first surface and a second surface. The first surface defines a first plane and the second surface defines a second plane. The first plane is parallel or near parallel to said second plane. The stroke adjuster is configured to be oriented within a dispenser in one of either a first orientation or a second orientation. When the stroke adjuster is oriented within the dispenser in the first orientation the first surface is positioned upward and, when the dispenser is activated, a lower pump engagement surface of a pump positioned within the dispenser is engaged by the first surface of the stroke adjuster. When the stroke adjuster is oriented within the dispenser in the second orientation the second surface is positioned upward and, when the dispenser is activated the lower pump engagement surface is not engaged by the stroke adjuster.
- Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
-
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example activation mechanism of a dispenser, in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention; -
FIGS. 2, 2B, 2C, and 2D show a perspective view, a top view, a side view, and a front view, respectively, of a stroke adjuster, in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of a stoke adjuster and a dispenser, wherein the stroke adjuster is positioned within the dispenser, in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of a stroke adjuster oriented in a first orientation in a dispenser, in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 shows a cross-section of an example dispenser having a stroke adjuster oriented therein in the first orientation, wherein a pump in the dispenser is at the starting position of a full pump stroke, in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 shows a cross-section of the example dispenser ofFIG. 5 with the stroke adjuster oriented therein in the first orientation, wherein the pump is at the ending point of a full pump stroke, in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of a stroke adjuster oriented in a second orientation in a dispenser, in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 8 shows a cross-section of an example dispenser having a stroke adjuster oriented therein in the second orientation, wherein a pump in the dispenser is at the starting point of a full pump stroke, in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention; and -
FIG. 9 shows a cross-section of the example dispenser ofFIG. 8 with the stroke adjuster oriented therein in the second orientation, wherein the pump is at the ending point of a full pump stroke, in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention. - The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
- Dispensers are often used to provide soap, hand sanitizer, and/or other fluids, liquids, or foams to a user that may be used, for example, for hand washing and/or sanitizing. In general, a fluid may be a substance that has no fixed shape and yields easily to external pressure. For example, a fluid may be a substance that flows easily. Some non-limiting examples of fluids are liquid soap, gel soap, and hand sanitizer.
- Generally, a dispenser comprises a housing for receiving a replaceable fluid reservoir and pump configured to receive fluid from the fluid reservoir and provide fluid or foam to the user. The pump may be connected to the fluid reservoir such that when the fluid reservoir is empty or the supply of fluid in the fluid reservoir is low, the fluid reservoir and pump may be removed from the housing of the dispenser and replaced.
- In general, the dispenser housing encloses the fluid reservoir such that only approved individuals may access the interior of the dispenser (including the fluid reservoir). For example, the dispenser housing may comprise a hinged door or removable panel that may be secured to prevent unauthorized access to the interior of the dispenser. For example, the hinged door or removable panel may be secured in a closed position with a key or other locking mechanism.
- A dispenser also generally includes an activation mechanism. For example, a dispenser may comprise a button, lever, motion sensor, and/or the like that a user may press or otherwise interact with to activate the dispenser. For example, the user may wave his or her hands in the vicinity of a motion detector or may press a lever on the dispenser to cause the dispenser to provide fluid or foam to the user. When the dispenser is activated (e.g., when the button or lever is pressed or when the motion sensor detects a user's hand motion) a mechanism (e.g., gears, motor, etc.) within the dispenser causes the pump and fluid reservoir to move from a starting position to an ending position of the full pump stroke of the dispenser. For example,
FIGS. 5 and 8 show a cross-section of adispenser 1000 having afluid reservoir 400 and apump 300 positioned within apump housing 450 where thepump 300 is at the starting point of the full pump stroke. -
FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of adispenser 1000 including the activation mechanism for activating the dispenser and causing fluid and/or foam to be dispensed from the dispenser. The example activation shown inFIG. 1 is an automatic activation mechanism that is configured to be activated by a user activating a motion sensor (not shown). When the motion sensor detects the movement of a user's hand(s), for example a signal may be sent to a control board within the dispenser. The control board may process the signal, and cause a motor andgear assembly 485 to be activated. The motor andgear assembly 485 may comprise one or more motors and one or more gears configured to cause the housing 200 (and the stroke adjuster 100 positioned therein) to move upward to dispense fluid and/or foam from the dispenser and to move downward to prime thepump 300 for the next activation of the dispenser. The motor may be powered by a battery or set ofbatteries 480 and/or other power supply (e.g., connection to line voltage). When the motor andgear assembly 485 is activated, the motor causes the gears to rotate which in turn causes thehousing 200 to move upward from the starting point of the full pump stroke. As thehousing 200 moves upward, the stroke adjuster 100 positioned within thehousing 200 also moves upward. As thestroke adjuster 100 andhousing 200 move upward, eventually either thefirst engagement surface 115 or the housing engagement surface 205 (depending on whether the stroke adjuster is oriented within thedispenser 1000 in the first orientation/position or the second orientation/position as described below and as shown inFIGS. 4 and 7 ) engages thelower engagement surface 310 of thepump 300. Thus, at a point between the starting point of the full pump stroke and the ending point of the full pump stroke, thefirst engagement surface 115 or thehousing engagement surface 205 engages thelower engagement surface 310 of thepump 300, as shown inFIGS. 6 and 9 . - The engagement of the
lower engagement surface 310 by thefirst engagement surface 115 or thehousing engagement surface 205 causes a compression of thepump 300 as thehousing 200 and thestroke adjuster 100 continue to move upward. In particular, the engagement of thelower engagement surface 310 of thepump 300 causes an inner piston of thepump 300 to be pushed upward within an outer piston of thepump 300 as thehousing 200 and thestroke adjuster 100 continue to move upward. Thus, the inner piston of the pump is forced upward through an outer piston of the pump, causing a compression of thepump 300 and causing fluid and/or foam to be dispensed from the pump and provided to the user. The point at which the lowerpump engagement surface 310 is engaged by the other engagement surface (e.g., 115, 205) and begins to force the inner piston upward is the starting point of the meaningful pump stroke. The inner piston of the pump continues upward until reaching the ending point of the full pump stroke, which is also the ending point of the meaningful pump stroke. Thus, the length of the meaningful pump stroke defines how much of the fluid or foam in thepump 300 is provided to the user. - After the fluid and/or foam is provided to the user (e.g., after the ending point of the meaningful pump stroke and the ending point of the full pump stroke is reached), the motor and
gear assembly 485 may cause thehousing 200 andstroke adjuster 100 to return to the initial position (e.g., the starting point of the full pump stroke). Thepump 300 also returns to the initial position. In particular, thedispenser flanges 230 engage theupper engagement surface 305 of thepump 300 and cause thenozzle 315 to move downward to return to the starting point of the full pump stroke (seeFIGS. 5 and 8 ). As the inner piston of thepump 300 is pulled downward and out of the outer piston of the pump, fluid from the fluid reservoir may be pulled into thepump 300 and thereby thepump 300 may be primed for the next activation. Thus, the action of returning thehousing 200 to the starting point of the full pump stroke causes thepump 300 to be primed for the next activation of the dispenser. - In various embodiments, when a new and/or refilled
fluid reservoir 400 and pump 300 are positioned within the dispenser 1000 (e.g., by a janitor or the like), thedispenser 1000 may need to be activated once, two to four times, and/or the like, to prime thepump 300. For example, in various embodiments, the janitor or maintainer of adispenser 1000 may position a new and/or refilledfluid reservoir 400 and pump 300 within thedispenser 1000. The janitor or maintainer may then activate the dispenser by activating the motion sensor one or more times, for example. This initial priming activation may ensure that the upperpump engagement surface 305 is adjacent thedispenser flanges 230, that thepump 300 is primed, and/or the like. - As noted above, in various embodiments, the
dispenser 1000 may be activated by a user pressing a button or lever, or activating some other sensor (e.g., the user may wear an RFID transmitter and the dispenser may comprise an RFID receiver configured to activate the dispenser upon receiving an RFID signal). In such example embodiments, when the user causes the dispenser to be activated, a motor and gear assembly, a lever assembly, and/or other mechanism may cause thehousing 200 to move upward. The interaction between thehousing 200 and/orstroke adjuster 100 and thepump 300 is similar as that described above. Once the fluid has been dispensed and the ending point of the full pump stroke has been reached, one or more motors, springs (e.g., springs 470 shown inFIG. 4 ), or other mechanism may cause thehousing 200 to move downward to the starting point of the full pump stroke. Thenozzle 315 is moved downward to the starting point of the full pump stroke by engagement of theupper engagement surface 305 of thepump 300 and thedispenser flanges 230 as described above. - Embodiments of the present invention provide a dispenser comprising a
stroke adjuster 100, shown inFIGS. 2, 2B, 2C, and 2D . For example, thedispenser housing 200 may be configured to receive thestroke adjuster 100 in either a first orientation/position or a second orientation/position. Thestroke adjuster 100 is configured to adjust the length of the meaningful pump stroke to adjust the amount of fluid or foam provided to a user upon the activation of the dispenser. In various embodiments, the stroke adjuster is configured to adjust the length of the meaningful pump stroke without affecting the length of the full pump stroke. For example, each time the pump is primed, the pump is primed with the same amount of fluid or foam regardless of the orientation/position of thestroke adjuster 100 within thedispenser 1000. However, the percentage of the fluid or foam in the pump that is provided to the user upon activation of thedispenser 1000 is adjusted based on the orientation/position of thestroke adjuster 100. Moreover, thedispenser housing 200 may be configured such that if thestroke adjuster 100 is not positioned within the dispenser housing, thedispenser 1000 may still provide fluid or foam to a user upon activation of the dispenser. - With reference to
FIGS. 2, 2B, 2C, and 2D astroke adjuster 100 defines afirst surface 115 and an oppositesecond surface 105. In this regard, thestroke adjuster 100 can be flipped over such that thesecond surface 105 faces upwardly (as opposed to the orientation shown inFIG. 2 ). - The
stroke adjuster 100 is configured to be received within adispenser housing 200 of adispenser 1000. For example, thestroke adjuster 100 can be received within thedispenser housing 200 in either a first orientation/position (as shown inFIG. 4 ) or a second orientation/position (as shown inFIG. 7 ). In this regard, thestroke adjuster 100 includes a dispenser engagement protrusion 140 (shown inFIG. 2 ) that is configured to fit within a corresponding slot or adjuster receiving area 240 (shown inFIG. 3 ) in thedispenser housing 200 in either the first orientation/position or second orientation/position. Additionally, as shown inFIG. 3 , thestroke adjuster 100 includes slots or cut-outportions 120 on either side that are designed to receive a portion of thehousing 200 when in the first orientation/position. - As shown in
FIGS. 4-9 , thedispenser 1000 comprises apump housing 450 configured to receive apump 300 and afluid reservoir 400 therein. As shown inFIGS. 5 and 8 , thepump 300 comprises apump nozzle 315. The pump further comprises upper pump engagement surface(s) 305 and lower pump engagement position surface(s) 310. Generally, the upper pump engagement surface(s) 305 and the lower pump engagement surface(s) 310 are positioned between thepump nozzle 315 and thefluid reservoir 400, with the upper pump engagement surface(s) 305 positioned closer to thefluid reservoir 400 than the lower pump engagement surface(s) 310. The upperpump engagement surface 305 engages with thedispenser flanges 230 of thedispenser housing 200. In particular, during normal operation of the dispenser, an upperpump engagement surface 305 may engage thedispenser flanges 230 such that thepump nozzle 315, theupper engagement surface 305, and a lowerpump engagement surface 310 remain below thedispenser flanges 230. Thus, at the starting point of the full pump stroke, the upperpump engagement surface 305 may be adjacent thedispenser flanges 230. In this regard, when a user activates the dispenser, the dispenser pushes thehousing 200 upwardly from a starting point to an ending point of the full pump stroke. As thehousing 200 and thestroke adjuster 100 move upward, thefirst engagement surface 115 or thehousing engagement surface 205 may engage the lowerpump engagement surface 310 of the pump nozzle to cause an inner piston of thepump 300 to be force upward into an outer piston of the pump. Thus, the engagement of the lowerpump engagement surface 310 by thefirst engagement surface 115 or thehousing engagement surface 205 begins the meaningful pump stroke (which is a portion of the full pump stroke and defines the amount of fluid or foam to be dispensed). In this regard, thehousing 200 and thestroke adjuster 100 continue upwardly, causing thepump 300 to compress. The portion of the full pump stroke occurring after the engagement of the lowerpump engagement surface 310 with another engagement surface (e.g., 115, 205) defines the length of the meaningful pump stroke. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , when in the first orientation/position, thefirst surface 115 faces upwardly and is designed to engage thelower engagement surface 310 of the pump nozzle to cause the pump to begin the meaningful pump stroke. In contrast, as shown inFIG. 7 , when thestroke adjuster 100 is oriented within thedispenser 1000 in the second orientation/position, thesecond surface 105 faces upwardly. In this orientation/position, ahousing engagement surface 205 of thedispenser housing 200 is designed to engage thelower engagement surface 310 of the pump nozzle to cause the pump to begin the meaningful pump stroke. In particular, engagement of the lowerpump engagement surface 310 with the first surface 115 (when in the first orientation/position,FIG. 4 ) begins at an earlier point in the full pump stroke than engagement of the pump nozzle (e.g., the lower pump engagement surface 310) with theengagement surface 205 of the dispenser housing 200 (when in the second orientation/position,FIG. 7 ). Thus, when thestroke adjuster 100 is in the first orientation/position, a longer meaningful pump stroke is defined compared to when thestroke adjuster 100 is in the second orientation/position and more fluid or foam is dispensed upon each activation of the dispenser. - Returning to
FIG. 2 , thestroke adjuster 100 comprises afirst surface 115 and asecond surface 105. Thefirst surface 115 generally defines a first plane and thesecond surface 105 generally defines a second plane. In various embodiments, the first plane and the second plane are generally parallel. In example embodiments, thefirst surface 115 and/or thesecond surface 105 may comprise an orientation marker. For example, the first surface may comprise afirst orientation marker 117. In an example embodiment, the second surface may comprise asecond orientation marker 107. For example, when thefirst orientation marker 117 is pointing up, as shown inFIG. 4 , thestroke adjuster 100 may be in the correct orientation to be positioned in thedispenser 1000 in the first orientation/position. In another example, when thesecond orientation marker 107 is pointing up, as shown inFIG. 7 , thestroke adjuster 100 may be in the correct orientation to be positioned in thedispenser 1000 in the second orientation/position. Thus, the orientation marker(s) 107, 117 may be configured to provide maintenance personnel (e.g., individuals with access to the interior of the dispenser) a quick, visual, and/or palpable indicator of the orientation of thestroke adjuster 100. In another example, the orientation marker may be a portion indicator. For example, the orientation marker may be configured to indicate a relative amount of the fluid or foam that corresponds to whether the stroke adjuster is in the first orientation or in the second orientation. For example, in one embodiment, afirst orientation marker 117 acting as a portion indicator may comprise a plus sign (“+”) indicating that when thestroke adjuster 100 is oriented within adispenser 1000 with the first surface positioned to be engaged by thelower pump surface 310, a larger portion of the primed fluid or foam will be dispensed. In another example, a second orientation marker acting as a portion indicator may comprise a minus sign (“−”) indicating that when the stroke adjuster is oriented within adispenser 1000 with the second surface facing upward toward the lowerpump engagement surface 310, a smaller portion of the primed fluid or foam will be dispensed. In other embodiments, other orientation markers may be used. For example, in one embodiment, thefirst orientation marker 117 may be a graphical representation of two droplets and thesecond orientation marker 107 may be a graphical representation of one droplet. In another example, in one embodiment, thefirst orientation marker 117 may be a graphical representation of a droplet and thesecond orientation marker 107 may be a graphical representation of a portion of a droplet. - In the illustrated example embodiments, a cross-section of the
stroke adjuster 100 taken parallel to the first and/or second plane (e.g., defined by the first orsecond surface 115, 105) is generally U-shaped. For example, the cross-section of thestroke adjuster 100 taken parallel to the first and/or second plane may comprise a first arm and a second arm which curve in at one end of each arm to connect with the other arm. For example, each arm may have a free end and a curved, connection end that connects that arm to the other arm. In some embodiments, thestroke adjuster 100 may define a reflection symmetry axis that is centered between the two arms and that lies in a plane parallel to the first and/or second plane. - In various embodiments, the
stroke adjuster 100, and/or at least a portion thereof, is configured to be positioned within anadjuster receiving area 240. For example, thestroke adjuster 100 may comprise adispenser engagement protrusion 140 configured to be positioned within theadjuster receiving area 240. In various embodiments, thedispenser engagement protrusion 140 may be configured to be positioned within theadjuster receiving area 240 when thestroke adjuster 100 is oriented within the dispenser in the first orientation/position or in the second orientation/position. In various embodiments, thedispenser engagement protrusion 140 extends part way along each arm of the U-shaped cross-section. For example, in one embodiment, thedispenser engagement protrusion 140 causes at least a portion of the arms of thesecond surface 105 to be wider than then the corresponding portion of the arms of thefirst surface 115, as can be seen by comparingFIG. 4 andFIG. 7 . In some embodiments, thedispenser engagement protrusion 140 extends around the curve connecting the two arms of thestroke adjuster 100. In another embodiment, thedispenser engagement protrusion 140 extends from a point along the arm that generally corresponds to the end of the curved portion of the arm and extends at least part way along the arm toward the free end of the arm. In various embodiments, thedispenser engagement protrusion 140 may extend toward the free end of the arm to atab 130. - In various embodiments, a
tab 130 may extend outwardly from at least one arm of thestroke adjuster 100. For example, thetab 130 may define a plane that is generally perpendicular to the first and/or second plane. In various embodiments, thetab 130 may serve a primarily aesthetic purpose. In another embodiment, one ormore tabs 150 may provide an easy handle for maintenance personnel handling thestroke adjuster 100 and/or may be configured to prevent maintenance personnel from inserting thestroke adjuster 100 too far into theadjuster receiving area 240. For example, the one ormore tabs 130 may be configured to aid maintenance personnel in properly installing thestroke adjuster 100 in thedispenser 1000 and/or to provide thestroke adjuster 100, when oriented/positioned within thehousing 200 to have a particular aesthetic appearance. - In various embodiments, the
stroke adjuster 100 may comprise one ormore slots 120. Theslot 120 may be configured for receiving at least a portion of thehousing engagement surface 205 therein when thestroke adjuster 100 is oriented within thedispenser 1000 in the first orientation/position. For example, in embodiments wherein thestroke adjuster 100 has a generally U-shaped cross-section, anouter surface 150 may connect an outer edge of thefirst surface 115 to an outer edge of thesecond surface 105 and aninner surface 160 may connect an inner edge of thefirst surface 115 to an inner surface of thesecond surface 105. In some embodiments, theslot 120 provides an opening in theouter surface 150 of thestroke adjuster 100 for receiving thehousing engagement surface 205. In some embodiments, theslot 120 provides openings in both theouter surface 150 and theinner surface 160 of thestroke adjuster 100 for receiving thehousing engagement surface 205. In various embodiments, thehousing engagement surface 205 is parallel to the first and/or second plane (defined by thefirst surface 115 or the second surface 105) when thestroke adjuster 100 is positioned within thedispenser 1000. In such embodiments, theslot 120 may define a plane that is also parallel to the first and/or second plane. - In various embodiments, the
stroke adjuster 100 may be made of plastic or other rigid and lightweight material. In some embodiments, thestroke adjuster 100 may be at least partially hollow. - As previously noted, the
stroke adjuster 100 may be oriented in thedispenser 1000 in either a first orientation/position (shown inFIGS. 4-6 ) or a second orientation/position (shown inFIGS. 7-9 ). In various embodiments, if the stroke adjuster is oriented in thedispenser 1000 in the first orientation/position, a larger volume of fluid or foam is provided to the user upon activation of thedispenser 1000 than when thestroke adjuster 100 is oriented in thedispenser 1000 in the second orientation/position. For example, in various embodiments, when thestroke adjuster 100 is oriented within thedispenser 1000 in the first orientation/position, the meaningful pump stroke is longer than when thestroke adjuster 100 is oriented in thedispenser 1000 in the second orientation/position. For example, in various embodiments, a larger percentage of the primed fluid or foam may be provided from thepump 300 to the user upon activation of the dispenser when thestroke adjuster 100 is oriented within thedispenser 1000 in the first orientation/position than when the stroke adjuster is oriented within thedispenser 1000 in the second orientation/position. - In various embodiments, the
stroke adjuster 100 may be switched between the first and second orientations/positions after the usedfluid reservoir 400 and pump 300 have been removed from thedispenser 1000 and before areplacement fluid reservoir 400 and pump 300 are positioned within the dispenser. In various embodiments, thestroke adjuster 100 may be only be removed from either the first or second orientation/position when thepump 300 andfluid reservoir 400 are not positioned within thedispenser 1000. - When the Stroke Adjuster is Oriented in the First Orientation/Position within the Dispenser
-
FIGS. 3-6 illustrate astroke adjuster 100 oriented within thedispenser housing 200 of thedispenser 1000 in a first orientation/position. In the first orientation/position, thefirst orientation marker 117 is pointing up and thefirst surface 115 faces the lowerpump engagement surface 310. In example embodiments, when in the first orientation/position within thedispenser 1000, the housing engagement surface(s) 205 are received within the slot(s) 120, and thedispenser engagement protrusion 140 is positioned within theadjuster receiving area 240. - As shown in
FIG. 5 , when a pump is positioned within thepump housing 450, thepump nozzle 315 is positioned below thedispenser flanges 230 such that thedispenser flanges 230 engage the upperpump engagement surface 305 when thesprings 470 cause thehousing 200 to return to the starting position of the full pump stroke. Thus, before the dispenser is activated to provide fluid or foam to a user, the upperpump engagement surface 305 is adjacent thedispenser flanges 230 and the pump is fully primed. - A user may then approach the dispenser and activate the dispenser to receive fluid or foam therefrom. As described above, the user may wave his or her hand in front of a motion detector, press a lever or button, or otherwise activate the dispenser. Activation of the dispenser causes the
housing 200 to move upward. Thehousing 200 and thestroke adjuster 100 move upward until thefirst engagement surface 115 engages the lowerpump engagement surface 310. When the lowerpump engagement surface 310 is engaged by thefirst surface 115, the meaningful pump stroke is initiated. Thehousing 200 and thestroke adjuster 100 continue to move upward, causing an inner piston of thepump 300 to move upward into an outer piston of the pump, thereby forcing fluid or foam out of the pump. The fluid or foam is thereby provided to the user. - When the
pump 300 reaches the ending point of the meaningful pump stroke (which is also the ending point of the full pump stroke), shown inFIG. 6 , a first volume of fluid or foam has been pushed out of thepump 300 and provided to the user. In various embodiments, the first volume of fluid or foam may be approximately all of the primed fluid or foam within thepump 300 prior to the activation. In some embodiments, the first volume of fluid or foam may be most or more than half of the primed fluid or foam within thepump 300 prior to the activation. In particular, the fraction of primed fluid or foam within thepump 300 that is provided to the user upon activation of the dispenser is determined by the portion of the full pump stroke that occurs after the lowerpump engagement surface 310 is engaged by thefirst surface 115. In other words, the fraction of the primed fluid or foam that is provided to the user upon activation of the dispenser is determined by the length of the meaningful pump stroke. - When the Stroke Adjuster is Oriented in the Second Orientation/Position within the Dispenser
-
FIGS. 7-9 illustrate astroke adjuster 100 oriented within thedispenser housing 200 of thedispenser 1000 in a second orientation/position. In the second orientation/position, thesecond orientation marker 107 is pointing up and thesecond surface 105 faces the lowerpump engagement surface 310. For example, in the second orientation/position, thesecond surface 105 faces upward. In example embodiments, when in the second orientation/position within thedispenser 1000, thesecond surface 105 is positioned below housing engagement surface(s) 205. In various embodiments, when thestroke adjuster 100 is oriented within thedispenser 1000 in the second orientation/position, thehousing engagement surface 205 is positioned between thesecond surface 105 and the lowerpump engagement surface 310. In example embodiments, thedispenser engagement protrusion 140 is positioned within theadjuster receiving area 240 when thestroke adjuster 100 is in the second orientation/position within thedispenser 1000. - As shown in
FIG. 8 , when a pump is positioned within thepump housing 450, thepump nozzle 315 is positioned below thedispenser flanges 230 such that thedispenser flanges 230 engage the upperpump engagement surface 305 to cause thepump nozzle 315, the upperpump engagement surface 305, and the lowerpump engagement surface 310 to move downward assprings 470 cause thehousing 200 to return to the starting position of the full pump stroke. Thus, before the dispenser is activated to provide fluid or foam to a user, the upperpump engagement surface 305 is adjacent thedispenser flanges 230 and the pump is fully primed. As the position of thedispenser flanges 230 relative to thepump housing 450 does not change when thestroke adjuster 100 is switched between the first and second orientations/positions, the amount of fluid or foam with which thepump 300 is primed is independent of the orientation/position of thestroke adjuster 100 within thedispenser 1000. It should be noted that the difference betweenFIG. 5 andFIG. 8 is merely the orientation/position of thestroke adjuster 100 itself. - A user may then approach the dispenser and activate the dispenser to receive fluid or foam therefrom. As described above, the user may wave his or her hand in front of a motion detector, press a lever or button, or otherwise activate the dispenser. Activation of the dispenser causes the
housing 200 to move upward. Thehousing 200 and thestroke adjuster 100 move upward until thehousing engagement surface 205 engages the lowerpump engagement surface 310. When the lowerpump engagement surface 310 is engaged by thehousing engagement surface 205, the meaningful pump stroke is initiated. Thehousing 200 and thestroke adjuster 100 continue to move upward, causing an inner piston of thepump 300 to move upward into an outer piston of the pump, thereby forcing fluid or foam out of the pump. The fluid or foam is thereby provided to the user. - When the
pump 300 reaches the ending point of the meaningful pump stroke (which is also the ending point of the full pump stroke), shown inFIG. 9 , a second volume of fluid or foam has been pushed out of thepump 300 and provided to the user. In various embodiments, the second volume of fluid or foam may be less than 100% of the primed fluid or foam within thepump 300 prior to the activation. In particular, the fraction of primed fluid or foam within thepump 300 that is provided to the user upon activation of the dispenser is determined by the portion of the full pump stroke that occurs after the lowerpump engagement surface 310 engages thehousing engagement surface 205. In various embodiments, the second volume of fluid or foam is smaller than the first volume of fluid or foam. For example, a smaller percentage of the primed fluid or foam within thepump 300 is provided to the user when thestroke adjuster 100 is in the second orientation/position compared to when thestroke adjuster 100 is in the first orientation/position. It should be noted that, in various embodiments, when thestroke adjuster 100 is oriented within thedispenser 1000 in the second orientation/position the portion of the full pump stroke that occurs before the meaningful pump stroke is initiated is longer than when thestroke adjuster 100 is oriented within thedispenser 1000 in the first position. In other words, as can be seen by comparingFIGS. 6 and 9 , the meaningful pump stroke is longer and/or a larger fraction of the full pump stroke when thestroke adjuster 100 is oriented within thedispenser 1000 in the first orientation/position compared to when thestroke adjuster 100 is oriented within thedispenser 1000 in the second orientation/position. - When the Stroke Adjuster is not Positioned within the Dispenser
- When the
stroke adjuster 100 is oriented within thedispenser 1000 in the second orientation/position, the engagement of the lowerpump engagement surface 310 with thehousing engagement surface 205 causes the fluid or foam to be pushed out of the pump and provided to the user. Similarly, if thestroke adjuster 100 is not positioned within thedispenser 1000 and the dispenser is activated, the lowerpump engagement surface 310 will engage thehousing engagement surface 205 and dispense fluid or foam to the user as if thestroke adjuster 100 were oriented within the dispenser in the second orientation/position. Thus, adispenser 1000 that does not have astroke adjuster 100 positioned therein is as functional/operational as thedispenser 1000 would be if astroke adjuster 100 were oriented within thedispenser 1000 in the second orientation/position. - For example, if a
stroke adjuster 100 is not positioned within thedispenser 1000, when at the starting point of the full pump stroke, thepump nozzle 315 is positioned below thedispenser flanges 230 such that thedispenser flanges 230 engage and/or are adjacent to the upperpump engagement surface 305. The engagement of thedispenser flanges 230 by the upperpump engagement surface 305 causes thepump nozzle 315, the upperpump engagement surface 305, and the lowerpump engagement surface 310 to move downward with thehousing 200 as thesprings 470 cause thehousing 200 to return to the starting position of the full pump stroke. Thus, before the dispenser is activated to provide fluid or foam to a user, the upperpump engagement surface 305 is adjacent thedispenser flanges 230 and the pump is fully primed. The amount of fluid or foam with which thepump 300 is primed is when thestroke adjuster 100 is not positioned within thedispenser 1000 is the same amount with which thepump 300 is primed when thestroke adjuster 100 is oriented within the dispenser in either the first or second orientations. - A user may then approach the dispenser and activate the dispenser to receive fluid or foam therefrom. As described above, the user may wave his or her hand in front of a motion detector, press a lever or button, or otherwise activate the dispenser. Activation of the dispenser causes the
housing 200 to move upward. Thehousing 200 and thestroke adjuster 100 move upward until thehousing engagement surface 205 engages the lowerpump engagement surface 310. When the lowerpump engagement surface 310 is engaged by thehousing engagement surface 205, the meaningful pump stroke is initiated. Thehousing 200 and thestroke adjuster 100 continue upward, causing an inner piston of thepump 300 to move upward into an outer piston of the pump, thereby forcing fluid or foam out of the pump. The fluid or foam is thereby provided to the user. - When the
pump 300 reaches the ending point of the meaningful pump stroke (which is also the ending point of the full pump stroke), a second volume of fluid or foam has been pushed out of thepump 300 and provided to the user. Thus, if thestroke adjuster 100 is not positioned within thedispenser 1000, the dispenser continues to be operable as if the stroke adjuster were oriented within the dispenser in the second orientation. Therefore, if thestroke adjuster 100 is misplaced or removed from thedispenser 1000 for any reason, the dispenser maintains its functionality and is still able to provide fluid or foam to a user. - Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
Claims (22)
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US11027909B2 (en) | 2018-08-15 | 2021-06-08 | Gpcp Ip Holdings Llc | Automated flowable material dispensers and related methods for dispensing flowable material |
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US11478111B2 (en) | 2019-06-14 | 2022-10-25 | Valve Solutions, Inc. | Loading and transfer system/assembly for sheet material dispensers |
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US10293353B2 (en) | 2017-04-25 | 2019-05-21 | Gpcp Ip Holdings Llc | Automated flowable material dispensers and related methods for dispensing flowable material |
US11181413B2 (en) * | 2017-08-29 | 2021-11-23 | Gpcp Ip Holdings Llc | Product level detection apparatuses and systems for fluid dispensers |
US10835086B2 (en) | 2018-04-09 | 2020-11-17 | Charles A. Osborne, JR. | Sheet material transfer system/assembly for a dispenser |
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US10893780B2 (en) | 2018-10-11 | 2021-01-19 | Op-Hygiene Ip Gmbh | Fluid dispenser with stroke independent dosage adjustment |
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US20230255411A1 (en) * | 2020-10-14 | 2023-08-17 | Essity Hygiene And Health Aktiebolag | An adaptor assembly for a fluid dispensing system |
US11805950B2 (en) * | 2020-10-14 | 2023-11-07 | Essity Hygiene And Health Aktiebolag | Adaptor assembly for a fluid dispensing system |
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